Advice for new refugees: looking for work

You can work as soon as you receive your positive Home Office decision letter. It is important to work as soon as possible, as the cost of living in the UK is high.

Help from the JobCentre

When you have applied for Universal Credit, the JobCentre will make an appointment with you to help you look for work.

The JobCentre is in Newbury:

Address: Cromwell House, 22 Oxford St, Newbury, RG14 1JB
Phone: 0800 169 0190

Find out more about the JobCentre on GOV.UK.

Writing a CV

A CV is a short document that summarises your skills, qualifications and previous work experience. It's a good idea to write a CV to send to employers or help you apply for a job.

Find 'how to write a CV' guidance on the National Careers Service website. You can also speak to a case worker at West Berkshire Action for Refugees (WBAR).

National Careers Service

The National Careers Service provide information, advice and guidance on careers and looking for jobs. Visit the National Careers Service website to find online information about careers, courses and skills. You can also find out where to search for job vacancies.

You can speak to a National Careers Service careers advisor.

Volunteering

Volunteering is a great way to gain experience, improve your English language and make friends. Talk to WBAR for further advice, or contact the West Berkshire Volunteer Centre.

Proving your right to work

You will need to prove your right to work by giving your employer your right to work share code. You can get a right to work share code online on GOV.UK.

How working affects your benefits

If you are working then you may not get the maximum amount of UC.

To understand how working impacts your benefit claim you can talk to your work coach at the JobCentre. Or, you can check online using a benefits calculator:

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